CommunicationPublished on 13 December 2023
How a bridge changes people's lives
The 10,000th suspension bridge built in Nepal with Swiss participation is called «Marin-Khola». The 283 metre long bridge has changed the lives of people on both sides of the Marin River. These are their stories.
I am Dev Kumari Ale Magar and study in High School in grade 12. Before the trail bridge, reaching school was often daunting and at times life threatening. Especially during monsoon, when the river swelled, it was impossible to cross it on foot. I would have to take a four-hour detour to reach the school from my village. I often used to miss my classes during those days. Some of my peers, particularly boys, who took the risks, nearly lost their lives. With the construction of the trail bridge, I am now able to cross the river with confidence.
Namaste, my name is Chhabi Lal Darlami. The trail bridge has drastically improved my business and quality of life. Before the bridge was built, my livelihood was hindered with challenges of crossing the river to access market and get supplies for my shop on a timely and safe way. Lack of safe crossing made it difficult to maintain a consistent stock of supplies in my shop affecting both my income and the availability of essential items for the community. With the construction of the bridge, my life has changed dramatically. The bridge has not only helped increase my income but has also made my business more resilient, ensuring that my shop remains a vital resource for my village and community.
Namaste! As an elected ward chair, I am proud to have been a part of the construction of the trail bridge project. Before the bridge, our people faced numerous obstacles. These challenges hindered access to essential services, education, health, and economic opportunities. They had to take a four-hour detour for a safer route to reach Bhalumara where there is a bridge to access these services. Otherwise, they had to swim or walk across the river. Three years ago, two people lost their lives while trying to rescue a girl child and her mother who were trying to cross the river. The safety and security of our citizens were at risk.
However, the construction of this trail bridge was a significant milestone. Children can now go to school without fear of missing their classes, shop-keepers can trade more effectively, sick people have easier access to health services without delays, and overall quality of life for villagers has improved a lot. This is not only a bridge, but also a testament to our citizen’s unity and advancement.
I am a medical officer in this health post. I hear stories of people from across the river in Chayachuti village, that before the construction of this bridge few people lost their lives crossing the river while returning home after receiving health services from this health post.
This bridge has made a substantial difference, particularly, when it comes to administering immunizations to children and conducting home visits for those who cannot reach the health post. The impact of this bridge has been remarkable, more villagers now have access to immunization services, and overall health condition of the community here has improved. As a medical professional this trial bridge is certainly a lifeline for me – it is a source of hope for the community’s health here. It has allowed me to carry out my duties more efficiently and effectively, providing health care services to the needy on time.
I have farm and relatives who live across the river in Chayachuti village. Before this trail bridge, I used to face many challenges while tending to my farm and livestock. I remember, once during the monsoon I was returning from the community forest after grazing my flock of goats when suddenly the river flooded. I was trying to protect my livestock from crossing the river but I lost one of my goats. I can recall that about six people have died while trying to cross this river.
The construction of this trail bridge has changed everything. Now I can safely transport my livestock and equipment to the farm, gather fodder without constant fear of the river washing me away. In short, the trail bridge has revolutionized my life as a farmer; it has empowered me to be more productive. I can get fertilizers and seeds for my farm easily, which has contributed to the sustainability of my farm and the livelihood of my family. This trail bridge represents progress, accessibility, and socio-economic growth for our farming community.
I live in Hakpara village. I have farms at both Chayachuti village across the river and here in Hakpara. Before this trail bridge, I used to cross the river on foot; my clothes would often be drenched in mud water while going to the farms. The construction of this trail bridge changed everything. Now I can easily get to the farm, without any fear of being drenched or being swept away. This has made my life more convenient as I can save more time and tend to farms with more care. It has empowered me to be more productive as I can easily transport my produces such as grains and vegetables fresh to the market and earn more. This trail bridge has transformed the lives of both the villages here and across the river.
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